Smart #3 costs, pros, cons and common fixes

Production Country
The Smart #3 is assembled in Xi’an, China, on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) electric platform.
Brief Description
The Smart #3 is a compact five-door electric crossover defined by muscular styling, a “Crystal Face” closed grille and full LED lighting. It comes in rear-wheel-drive form with a single 200 kW (272 hp) motor, or dual-motor all-wheel-drive in the Brabus trim. Inside, a high-tech cabin features a central touchscreen up to 12.8″, a fully digital driver display and premium materials. Passenger space is generous for the segment, and cargo capacity includes a 370 L boot plus a 15 L front “frunk.”
Powertrain & Performance
Specification | Value |
---|
Motor | Rear electric synchronous, 200 kW (272 hp) / 343 Nm |
Brabus | Dual motors, 315 kW (428 hp) / 543 Nm |
Battery (gross/net) | 66 kWh / 62 kWh |
WLTP Range | 455 km |
0–100 km/h | 5.8 s |
Top Speed | 180 km/h |
WLTP Consumption | 16.3 kWh/100 km |
AC Charging | 7.4 kW standard (22 kW optional) |
DC Fast Charging | 150 kW (10→80 % in ~25 min) |
Dimensions & Capacity
Specification | Measurement |
---|
Length | 4 400 mm |
Width (excl. mirrors) | 1 844 mm |
Height | 1 556 mm |
Wheelbase | 2 785 mm |
Curb Weight | 1 780–1 910 kg |
Boot Volume (min/max) | 370 L / 1 160 L |
Front Trunk (“Frunk”) | 15 L |
Ground Clearance | 160 mm |
Turning Circle | 11.5 m |
Main Trims & Pricing (Italy)
Trim | From (€) |
---|
Pro | 38 548 |
Pro+ | 43 548 |
Premium | 46 548 |
25th Anniversary | 47 048 |
Brabus | 51 118 |
(On-the-road prices include VAT; local incentives and delivery fees excluded.)
Maintenance & First Service Costs (indicative)
Service / Repair | Approx. Cost (€) |
---|
1st Service (1 yr or 15 000 km) | 150–200 |
2nd Service (2 yrs or 30 000 km) | 180–220 |
Front Brake Pads Replacement | 200–250 |
Front Discs + Pads Replacement | 450–550 |
Cabin & Engine Air Filter Replacement | 90–120 |
12 V Auxiliary Battery Replacement | 120–150 |
Single Tyre Replacement | 110–150 each |
All costs include genuine parts and labour; actual prices may vary by workshop and region.
Pros
Long WLTP range (≈455 km) with a 62 kWh net battery
Ultra-fast 150 kW DC charging (10→80 % in about 25 min)
High-tech interior with up to a 12.8″ touchscreen and digital cluster
Practical packaging: 370 L boot plus 15 L frunk
Engaging performance: 0–100 km/h in 5.8 s (272 hp) or 3.7 s (Brabus)
Cons
Premium pricing for a compact crossover
Slow AC charging without a high-power wallbox (7.4 kW standard)
Standard boot volume (370 L) is smaller than many rivals
Hefty weight and size can affect urban agility
In Summary
The Smart #3 reinvents the brand as a modern electric crossover, blending distinctive style, cutting-edge tech and strong real-world usability. From the entry-level Pro to the high-performance Brabus, it offers a compelling choice for urban drivers and small families seeking a premium-feel EV with rapid charging and brisk acceleration.
Verdict — Smart #3 (Model Year 2025)
Compact electric SUV · 66 kWh (usable 62 kWh) battery · 150 kW (204 hp), 310 Nm · RWD · 0–100 km/h in 7.8 s · DC charging up to 150 kW
The Smart #3 extends Smart’s electric lineup with a boldly styled compact SUV, built on the SEA “skateboard” platform. At 4.27 m long with a 2.75 m wheelbase, it shares the minimalist front fascia and LED lighting of its sibling, adding sculpted flanks and a sloping roof for a dynamic stance.
Inside, the “Open Space” cabin feels light and modern: a 12.8″ central touchscreen (with Google-powered infotainment and over-the-air updates) sits alongside a digital instrument display, all framed by premium materials and a full-length panoramic glass roof. The 440 L boot (expandable to over 1,400 L with the rear seats folded) plus a front “frunk” and clever cubbies deliver real-world practicality.
Key Technical Highlights:
Electric Drive: Rear-mounted 150 kW (204 hp) motor with 310 Nm, achieving 0–100 km/h in 7.8 s.
Battery & Range: 66 kWh nominal (62 kWh usable) Li-ion pack, WLTP range around 400 km, with optimized regenerative braking.
Charging: AC charging up to 22 kW; DC fast-charging up to 150 kW for 10–80 % in about 30 minutes.
Chassis & Handling: RWD SEA architecture; McPherson front and multilink rear suspension balance agility and comfort.
ADAS Suite: Level-2 assistance including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian/cyclist detection, and 360° park assist.
Category | Where It Excels | Where It Holds Its Own | Where It’s Limited |
---|
Design & Styling | Bold, modern lines; slim full-LED lights | Compact footprint ideal for city driving | Less off-road flair than crossover rivals |
Comfort & Space | Airy “Open Space” interior; panoramic roof | Supportive seating; generous front storage | Noticeable central tunnel |
Efficiency & Range | Around 400 km WLTP; strong regen performance | Low running costs for urban use | Range dips at sustained high speeds |
Driving Dynamics | Instant torque; nimble RWD handling | Comfort-oriented suspension tuning | Some body roll in fast corners |
Practicality | 440 L boot + frunk; multiple smart storage cubbies | Fast-charge capability; battery preconditioning | Rear cargo smaller versus larger EV SUVs |
Infotainment & Connect | 12.8″ Google-powered touchscreen; OTA updates | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | Some apps require subscription |
Safety & ADAS | Comprehensive Level-2 ADAS standard | Pedestrian/cyclist recognition; 360° park assist | Top-end assist features on higher trims |
Running Costs | Virtually zero “fuel” cost; EV incentives | Lower maintenance vs. ICE | EV servicing at specialist centres can cost more |
Depreciation | Growing demand for Smart EVs | Strong brand residual values | Highly competitive compact EV segment |
Who It’s For
Urban professionals and small families seeking a stylish, tech-rich electric SUV with a spacious, airy cabin and strong real-world range for daily commuting and weekend escapes.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you need longer range or a sportier driving experience, consider the Hyundai Kona Electric or Kia Niro EV.
Recommended Configuration
Smart #3 Prime trim with the 66 kWh battery, 19″ wheels, panoramic roof, V2L module, full ADAS suite, and the Smart Connect app package—for the best blend of comfort, space, and cutting-edge technology.